Assistant to the Villain, #2
Apprentice to the Villain
by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Contents
Chapter 53
Overview
Trystan and Evie Sage put out the courtyard fire at Massacre Manor, and Trystan’s internal thoughts reveal how strongly Trystan’s identity has shifted from villainous control toward wanting to save Rennedawn and belong to Sage. What first appears to be a possible enemy attack becomes more complicated when Sage reveals that Lyssa, not a Valiant Guard, caused the fire.
The chapter matters because it undercuts the assumption of an external assault and brings Sage’s family directly into the manor’s danger, while also deepening Trystan’s emotional vulnerability toward Sage.
Summary
Trystan and Evie Sage race through Massacre Manor to the back courtyard after learning of the fire. As they run, Trystan reflects that he once valued command and villainy above all else, but the prophecy and the possibility of saving Rennedawn have made him want to be worthy of peace, friendship, family, and perhaps love.
They find the courtyard trees burning, and Trystan orders Sage to get the hose. Sage struggles to remember where she hid it, prompting teasing from Trystan about her safety preparations and her reading habits. Trystan accidentally loosens the correct slab, falls, and reveals the hidden hose.
Sage pulls out the hose, but the water pressure knocks Sage backward into Trystan. As Sage steadies herself and argues about her balance, Trystan is distracted by Sage’s confidence, humor, and kindness, revealing how deeply attached Trystan has become to her since Sage first came to work for him.
The fire begins to die under the spray, but Trystan notices the charred back gate and becomes furious. Trystan wants to find and punish whoever is responsible, assuming an enemy may have attacked the manor.
Sage stops Trystan before Trystan can act on that anger. Sage calls for Lyssa and reveals that the fire was not caused by a Valiant Guard but by Sage’s sister, turning the suspected attack into a personal and domestic crisis.
Who Appears
- TrystanInvestigates the courtyard fire while reflecting on saving Rennedawn and his feelings for Sage.
- Evie SageHelps extinguish the fire and reveals Lyssa is responsible, not the Valiant Guards.
- LyssaSage’s sister; identified by Sage as the person who started the courtyard fire.